Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA09CA373

Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA

Aircraft #1

N49897

CESSNA 152

Analysis

The pilot was flying solo in the traffic pattern for runway 35. As he approached the runway, he reduced power and added flaps to decrease the airspeed. The airplane bounced upon touchdown and the pilot added a “small amount” of power. The airplane bounced a second time, and then settled onto the runway. The third time the airplane contacted the runway, the nose gear collapsed. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Factual Information

The pilot was flying solo in the traffic pattern for runway 35. As he approached the runway, he reduced power and added flaps to decrease the airspeed. The airplane bounced upon touchdown and the pilot added a “small amount” of power. The airplane bounced a second time, and then settled onto the runway. The third time the airplane contacted, the runway the nose gear collapsed, substantially damaging the wing spar. The winds reported at the airport about the time of the accident were from 090 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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